Diocese of Kohima opposes observance of Good Governance Day on December 25
Kohima, December 16 (MExN): The Bishop’s House, Kohima stated that the diocese of Kohima representing the Catholic Church in Nagaland is against the observance of Good Governance Day on December 25.
“Although the Church is not against the observance of good governance day, the choice of the day, 25th December, is a blatant disrespect for Christian sentiments,” Fr. Thomas Toretkiu, Bishop’s Secretary, Kohima stated in a press statement.
The Bishop’s House strongly opined that the decision of the Government to declare December 25 day as ‘Good Governance Day’ is not only an attempt to dilute the importance of the day for Christians but also a discriminative and insensitive act against them. “Disrespect of the government towards the religious sentiments of the minorities would put a scar on the secular nature of our country, which is known the outside world as a nation which promotes tolerance and peaceful co-existence,” the statement added.
It went on to stated that the concept of ‘good governance’ itself will be a mockery if due respect is not given to all the sections in the country, irrespective of the religious affinity. The foundation to any good governance is religious freedom, justice and equality. Peace and development in the country is possible only when the legitimate rights all its citizens are upheld by all. The government has the duty bound responsibility to promote it.
“Therefore, the Church considers declaring December 25 as Good Governance Day a blatant disrespect to Christian sentiments and a denial of their legitimate aspiration to celebrate the greatest event of their religious belief. Failure of the government to understand the seriousness of the matter, and not taking corrective steps in executing the order to observe December 25 as Good Governance Day will be considered deliberate act of discrimination from the part of the Government,” Bishop’s House affirmed further.
“We support the government to observe the Good Governance Day, but on a day acceptable to all the citizens of the nation, which will not infringe the religious sentiments of any religious groups,” it added.
